‘Sometimes it slows me down’: Joe Biden shares emotional cancer update ahead of memoir release
WASHINGTON, DC: Former US President Joe Biden has shared an update on his ongoing cancer battle, revealing that his illness will limit the number of public appearances he can make to promote his upcoming memoir, 'Promise Me, America'.
Biden, 83, said his doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment but acknowledged that some days are harder than others.
The former president made the announcement in a November 8 post, just days before his book is scheduled to hit shelves on November 17.
Joe Biden details cancer battle and memoir plans
Biden said he was diagnosed with cancer while writing his memoir and that the illness has affected the pace at which he can carry out his plans.
"Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down," he wrote on Sunday.
He added that he would not be able to participate in as many conversations and promotional appearances for the book as he had originally hoped.
Biden also expressed gratitude to those who have sent messages of support to him and his family, saying their prayers and well wishes had meant more to him, his wife, Jill Biden, and their family than they could know.
He further wrote, "Looking forward, I'm going to keep following what my father told me a long time ago: "Champ, when you get knocked down, get up." It's a good lesson for me. And for America."
Despite these limitations, he said he hoped readers would find that the words in the memoir speak for themselves.
I want to share a brief update. My presidential memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, is coming out on November 17th. I hope you'll read it. It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them. It's about who we are as a nation. What we stand for. And America's role in the world. More than anything, it's about my faith in the American people and the great American experiment in self-governance and democracy. While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, a disease known all too well to millions of Americans and their families. My doctors continue to be encouraged by how I've responded to treatment. And the prayers and kind words and well wishes from so many of you have meant more to me and Jill and our family than you can ever know. Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped. However, I’m hopeful the words on the page speak for themselves. Looking forward, I'm going to keep following what my father told me a long time ago: "Champ, when you get knocked down, get up." It's a good lesson for me. And for America. We are blessed. America is the most unique nation on earth. Unlike other countries, we're built on an idea. An idea bigger than any ocean. More powerful than any army. Stronger than any tyrant or dictator. That idea? All of us are created equal. Promise Me, America, we'll never forget it.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) November 8, 2026
'Promise Me, America' is scheduled for release on November 17.
The memoir is expected to revisit Biden's four years in the White House, including the major decisions he made during his presidency and the challenges his administration faced.
The book will also address his decision to seek reelection in 2024 and his eventual withdrawal from the presidential race.
When announcing the memoir earlier this year, Biden said it would explain the decisions he made as president and the reasoning behind them, as well as highlight his faith in the American people.
The release comes two weeks after the November midterm elections, with the memoir expected to bring renewed attention to Biden's presidency and political legacy.
Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
Biden announced in May 2025 that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. He later underwent radiation and hormone therapy.
In September 2026, he said his radiation treatment had "worked as intended" and helped control the disease.
His latest update similarly indicated that his doctors remain encouraged by his response to treatment, although he did not provide further details about his current medical condition.
The cancer diagnosis has affected Biden's public schedule since he left the White House.
His latest announcement offers further insight into how the illness is shaping his post-presidential plans as he prepares to release his memoir.
